Department of Neurosurgery
Mailing Address: Zablocki VA Medical Center Neuroscience Research Labs- Research 151 5000 W. National Avenue Milwaukee, WI 53295
Phone: (414) 955-2394 Email: mdbudde@mcw.edu
Summary:
The primary focus of my research is to use magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate injury and disease in the brain and spinal cord. In particular, diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) is an advanced MRI technique that is unique in its ability to detect and visualize white matter pathways noninvasively. It is exquisitely sensitive to injury and has been widely applied to many types of brain and spinal cord injury or disease. However, the specific biological features that give rise to DTI findings are poorly understood and could limit the application of DTI as a clinical tool.
My research aims are to (1) determine the biophysical mechanisms that underlie DTI abnormalities following CNS injury, and (2) develop MRI techniques that are more sensitive to injury following brain and spinal cord trauma. I use a variety of techniques to address these aims including: in vivo MRI in animal models, excised tissue preparations, and histological preparations, as well as computational models and quantitative image analysis. Ultimately, it is believed that improvements in MRI technology combined with a better understanding of the underlying biological substrates will facilitate the development, evaluation, and application of therapeutic interventions. These advances are hoped to improve long-term outcome after acute neurological injury.
Education and Research